We received word earlier today that the Birmingham Museum of Art would close at 1 p.m. today and reopen on Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

According to the statement received via email:

Closing the facility to the public is necessary because of the need to maintain stable humidity levels inside the building for the safety and preservation of the art.

The museum has also postponed The Collector’s Circle lecture that was to be given by photographer and UAB Professor Sonja Reiger at 6 p.m. this evening due to the “weather-related problems with heating equipment.”

The email stated that it would be rescheduled and that information shared at a later date.

Photo: Oscar Wells Memorial. Dystopos/Flickr